Limb Lengthening for Kids and Teens

In children, limb length discrepancies and deformity commonly arise from birth defects (congenital) or after trauma. Congenital conditions include fibular hemimelia, congenital bowing of the tibia, congenital short femur, hemiatrophy or hemihypertrophy. Russel Silver Syndrome is another condition that leads to limb length discrepancies.

Trauma can also lead to limb shortening and deformity from either malunion or stunted growth at an injured growth plate. While bowleg and knock-knee deformities can arise after trauma, they can also be related to Blount's disease or Ellis van Creveld syndrome.

Dwarfism such as achondroplasia leads to short stature, limb deformity, and functional limitations.